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Simple DIY Lampshade

10/21/2013

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     Anyone that knows me, knows about my lamp shade obsession! Fringed, shapely, tattered and torn.The older and fancier the better.
     Sometimes I find them and they are perfect as is.
     Sometimes I add a little something to make them even more fantastic!
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I added lace, beaded fringe and a boa to this flirty girl!
     Even the small lampshades have a special attraction for me. I put them on tiny lamps and chandeliers. I love the shadows they cast.
     This easy DIY lampshade casts the most fantastic shadows. I started with a plain Empire lampshade that had a lovely fluted bottom and awful vinyl cover. I just cut it all off and threw the cover away. If the fabric is good you may keep it for another project.
     Now, don't get me wrong, I love the shade as is and sometimes use them just like this, but this shade is destined for a fancy bedroom, so I must gild the lily!
     I start with white vintage tulle; it must be old because new tulle is usually made of polyester and won't pick up any dye/color. Look for vintage wedding veils and gowns to use for fabric.
     Soak the tulle in a hot mixture of tea and coffee overnight, then hang to dry. I often drape died lace and tulle outside for the day. It always looks so pretty!
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A lovely dish of vintage bits of lace and doilies!
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     Then I cut it into strips that are long enough to tie onto the lampshade frame. I knot it at the bottom and trim the edges.
     Then I added vintage ribbon, tied it at the top and hung vintage crystals from the cage    bottom. Finally I wove a piece of vintage lace around the entire shade and added a vintage flower.
     You can make a shade with strips of fabric (I have torn sheets up for this), colored ribbon or pieces of old lace. I have used old curtains, burlap, jute and vintage negligees! This is a simple, inexpensive way to dress up a shade. You can customize it for any room, with virtually any fabric. Embellish with seed pearls, crystals, rosettes, flowers, fringe or anthing else that strikes your fancy. Just a little time and creativity and you can make this for any room!
     Have fun, be impractical and spice up a corner of your home!
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 Create A Fabulous Fireplace Mantle

9/16/2013

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     A fireplace mantle. Whether you have one that surrounds a real crackling fire, a faux one or just dream of having one; a fireplace brings to mind images of warmth, comfort, holidays and traditions. A decorated mantle can be a great place to display a collection, announce the changing seasons or just enhance a room.                                                                                
    If  you live in a small home or apartment don't wait for the home of your dreams to enjoy the ambiance and decorating possibilities of a mantle. Architectural elements can add a sense of permanence to any house. Stores such as Lowe's and Home Depot carry a nice selection of mantles to help you get this feeling of warmth, coziness now.
     You may already be blessed with a fireplace in your home. If so, it's time to give your mantle some attention! Gather together old books, candlesticks, vases, clocks, pictures, frames, etc. Anything that is somewhat related or tells a story. Try not to mix more than two elements. For instance if you are using mostly glass  items; candlesticks, glass vases etc., don't add silk flowers, dried flowers, silver, gold AND ceramic things. Same idea with color; stick with two colors primarily, with maybe a pop of an accent color.
     Here is a picture of my friend's mantle. Friday evening she poured a glass of wine for each of us and we rooted around to see what we could find. I worked entirely with things she already owned. Not a penny was spent. Forgive the poor picture quality.......
     The first mantle I decorated was more rustic. Nothing shiny was used. We even used a table runner that she had put away because it was "awful". Now she likes it and said she'll use it again.
     We cleared the mantle, had some more wine and started again. This time I used shiny item and went for more of a pretty Halloween theme.
     For those of you not blessed with a built-in fireplace and who love old architectural fireplace mantles, you can shop architectural stores, flea markets, and antique stores to find a genuine piece. It will be a piece that will last through the years. Often they are imperfect. scratched and timeworn. The bases are often chipped from their removal. Don't let that stop you. Decide what you love and stick with it. Have a carpenter repair it if needed, but MERCY! Don't ever pass one by.
    Here is a mantle that came into the store on Saturday. I played with it and came up with three different looks. Also using just what I had.
     The first look is more organic and natural using mostly natural items. No glitz (not that I don't LOVE glitz). I made the banner in about 15 minutes.
     The next picture is just birdcages. I didn't add anything else besides a vintage picture frame. Quite simple really. You may not want to use all birdcages in your home, but it is just an idea to get your creative juices flowing.
     The last picture is more glitzy, using crystal candlesticks, glass and pearls. Definitely more fancy, but still, all things I had in the store. 
     For Autumn, you may want to incorporate typical Fall items, but be inspired to incorporate unique and new things this year. Don't be afraid to use large items (no tiny items allowed on a large fireplace mantle). Have fun and share your results with us. I always love seeing your creative ideas!
    
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Bathroom Face-Lift

9/9/2013

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     This month we were pushed into getting an unused bathroom into functional, working order before we had even decided what to do with the room. Our daughter  is getting married over the Thanksgiving Holiday and we have a nursing student living with us for the school year, so we needed another bathroom.
     Up to now, we had dealt with the room by shutting the door. You know; out of sight out of mind? This bathroom needs to be GUTTED. We're talking, ceiling, walls, floor, fixtures, EVERYTHING. Eeeeek and yuck!
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     However, we had no inclination or time to undertake a project of this magnitude before a wedding. Plus, from previous experience I have learned I don't handle construction well. The project is always messier, longer, more difficult (see expensive) and workers never work as fast as I think they should. Remodeling stress at this time was just unnecessary.
     Regardless, we had to make the bathroom presentable. Now. Pretty and functional was the goal.
     Enter plumber. We had to call him because when we turned the sink on, the bathwater ran. Amusing, but not very efficient. After explaining that YES, the replacement fixtures MUST match and YES, we need a shower head and NO I don't want to hear exactly how he fixed everything (see glazed look in my eyes), the job was done. 
     Next on the agenda; clean. I cleaned thoroughly when we moved in, but in the back of my mind I knew it was all going to end up in a dumpster, so I didn't stress about. This time it had to be done right.
  
The Magic Eraser does what it promises with minimal elbow grease and no fumes, so I go to that first, then Vinegar and baking soda (the chemical reaction works well on small rust stains). This time however, my husband had to pull out the big guns and used WD-40 and steel wool to get the remaining rust. Messy and stinky, but much improved!
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     The existing medicine cabinet and lighting was functional and true to the era the house, but the clean, clinical look has never been my  thing, so OUT it went. In it's place a vintage shabby gold mirror.  Much better. Elegant, warm and charming.  Ready to reflect light.
    Now to replace that awful existing light! As much as we have enjoyed the "Chicken Light" (name we've given to the bare heating bulb hanging there presently), it has to go. Happily I always have an arsenal of chandeliers at Faded Velvet, so I just needed to measure for a light that the door wouldn't hit. 
     My husband wired and hung this chandelier, but I could have used a chandelier that  has a long cord that would plug into any outlet and hang from a secure hook in the ceiling.
       Lighting taken care of, it was time to hide the plumbing under the sink. I used a simple white lace tablecloth that reached around the pedestal sink and to the floor. I folded the extra length over and out at the top, pinned it, then hand-sewed it. I used a Dry Erase marker to make a level line around the sink where I needed to stick the Velcro strip, then put pieces of Velcro on the curtain and adhered it to the sink. Now the mechanics of the sink are hidden, but I can easily remove the lace for cleaning purposes. Big improvement!
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     The final, but most important step of this make-over was to accessorize. I stuck to mostly white, as it is crisp and clean, but added enough other items to keep the room from feeling sterile. When it comes to accessories, I believe more is ALWAYS more, but I was limited as there is very little flat surface area to place all the stuff that I love to surround myself with.
     Candles, soaps, vases, sponges and big fluffy towels all added warmth and coziness.
     I bought a pretty tiered shower curtain, a bath caddy and a new white pierced tin wastebasket at Bed Bath and Beyond. Other than that I stole from Faded Velvet and other rooms in my house. If you walk through your house, you may be surprised at what is found right under your nose. Plus, you can save money!
     Well, the bathroom is now useable; even pleasant. Some evening after a long hard day at work I plan on lighting candles and enjoying a nice hot soak!
     This cosmetic make-over took us about 5 days total. I did attempt to scrape off the wallpaper border, but it just wasn't budging. Time constraints stopped me from finishing it, but I still have to tackle it. 
     I hope this gives you incentive and motivation to tackle a project like this. Sometimes it is just a matter of getting started. It certainly doesn't have to be perfect. Just inviting, warm and cozy. Have fun and share your before and after pictures. I always love to see them!
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A Day at the Flea

8/8/2013

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     It's Flea Market Day!! I'm up before the birds, but not before Clyde. Every morning he waits impatiently and loudly because he is sure EVERYDAY THIS is the day he surely won't get fed!
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         It is a dangerous walk down these stairs every morning as Clyde weaves back and forth in front of me meowing pitifully the whole way.
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     Time for just one quick cup of coffee before I leave. I am already warm and it feels muggy and hot today.  I'm heading to Hartville's Flea Market this morning, which, happily is only one mile from my store! It is one of the largest Flea Markets in Ohio and has become a huge draw for the area and a prime source for antique collectors. I can't wait to get there, though as I drive it appears to be turning into a foggy venture..........like a scary movie......
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http://www.hartvillemarketplace.com/our-history
     I meet Erin and we hit the floor running. So much to see. So VERY much!!
                                                      .......and my personal favorite of the day.................................
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      We came, we bought and we filled my truck so full, we couldn't shut the back gate.  Here's a pic of some of the great goodies we acquired today.  We are hot, sticky, thirsty, and  our hair is a disaster. Ick! But, it is time to open the store, clean and inventory all items, put them out in a display and maybe if we're lucky, put our feet up for a moment! I am so blessed to be able to do what I do! I do NOT take it for granted. EVER!
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    Author: Donna

    Wife, mother, decorator, shop owner, avid collector of beautiful, old, imperfect things.   

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